Portugal booked their place in the last 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Iran in Frankfurt.

Second-half goals from Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Portugal made it past the group stages for the first time since 1966, when they reached the semi-finals.

The game started slowly, before 13 minutes in Deco looked certain to break the deadlock, but his left-foot drive from close in from Luis Figo's astute pass was brilliantly tipped away by Ebrahim Mirzapour.

However, Portugal were unable to break down a stubborn Iranian backline and just past the half-hour mark, Ronaldo had a clear header from a corner, but failed to get any power behind the effort.

Right on half-time wing-back Miguel made a break down the right, cut inside and his fierce drive deflected off keeper Mirzapour and went inches past the far post.

Early in the second period Ronaldo extended the impressive Mirzapour again, but still Portugal struggled to find the opening goal.

However, their fortunes changed with 63 minutes on the clock as Figo drifted in from the left and fed Deco, who curled home a superb right-foot shot from 25 yards, leaving Mirzapour helpless.

Iran hadn't carved out a clear chance up to that point, but six minutes later they had an opportunity to draw level, however, sub Rasoul Khatibi dragged his shot wide of the far post with just Ricardo to beat, after an error from Fernando Meira.

Their fate was sealed 12 minutes from time as Yahya Golmohammadi brought down Figo on the right side of the area and Ronaldo confidently tucked away the spot-kick, sending Mirzapour the wrong way.

Pauleta should have added a third in time added on, but his weak shot was blocked by Mirzapour, while Ronaldo had a last-gasp effort ruled out for offside, but he and Portugal had done enough to secure a crucial victory.